The 2025 Out of the Limelight Awards

Five unsung heroes of Aotearoa New Zealand theatre have been named as recipients of the 2025 Out of the Limelight Theatre Award, each receiving $5,000 in recognition of their vital contributions behind the scenes.

Established through the huge generosity of Sir Roger Hall and facilitated by The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, these biennial awards shine a light on all aspects of theatre across New Zealand, ensuring that all practitioners whose work is essential to the stage are celebrated. 

“I set up the Out of the Limelight Awards to celebrate theatre practitioners whose work rarely gets the sort of recognition it deserves,” says Sir Roger Hall, whose fund also supports the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate Award for theatre.

From stage managers and set builders to technicians and wardrobe supervisors, the awards honour those without whom no production could happen – yet whose names are rarely in lights.
 

Meet the 2025 Out of the Limelight recipients:

• David Jenkins – A long-time arts administrator and board member, David has helped shape the infrastructure behind Aotearoa New Zealand’s performing arts sector.
   
• Gary Hofman – As Box Office Team Leader at Auckland Theatre Company, Gary ensures every audience member feels welcomed and included.
   
• Jo Bunce – With over three decades in live performance, Jo is a cornerstone of The Court Theatre’s backstage operations.
   
• Natasha Thyne – A dynamic stage and venue manager, Natasha brings energy and expertise to productions and festivals across Aotearoa  New Zealand and beyond.
   
• Teresa Sokolich – A founding member of Auckland Theatre Company, Teresa continues to support and mentor the industry through hands-on production work and governance.
   

More about these incredible behind-the-scenes stars...

David Jenkins 
Originally from Hamilton, David Jenkins began his career studying science at the University of Waikato before moving to Wellington in 1977 to take up a short-term role with the NZ Students' Arts Council. He went on to serve as Administration Manager at the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council (now Creative New Zealand), where he helped secure permanent homes for the NZ Drama School and NZ School of Dance. During his time on the Drama School board, the school diversified its programme and qualifications, student numbers increased significantly, and the school became Te Kura Toi Whakaari o Aotearoa: NZ Drama School. Since the 1990s, David has supported Playmarket in a variety of capacities.

Gary Hofman
Gary Hofman is the Box Office Team Leader at Auckland Theatre Company, where he manages daily ticketing operations and helps shape the audience experience. With a strong focus on accessibility and inclusion, he ensures every visitor feels welcome – whether at a sold-out mainstage show or their very first theatre experience. Gary’s collaborative and care-based approach has made him a trusted and valued presence in the company, playing a key role in maintaining a seamless and inclusive front-of-house experience for one of Aotearoa’s leading theatre companies.

Jo Bunce
Jo Bunce is an experienced theatre professional with over 30 years in live performance and film. She holds a BA from the University of Canterbury and a diploma in Technical Production from Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School. Jo has worked as a stage manager, lighting designer, and operator both in New Zealand and internationally. Since 1996, she has been a key figure at The Court Theatre, contributing to more than 60 productions and now serving as Head Stage Manager. Her long-standing dedication continues to support excellence behind the scenes.

Natasha Thyne
Natasha Thyne is a stage and venue manager with experience across theatre, festivals, and large-scale events in Aotearoa and abroad. Her career began at BATS Theatre’s Young & Hungry Festival, and she has since worked on shows including Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, Red, White and Brass, and The Lord of the Rings: A Musical Tale. Her passion for ballet led her to the UK with Northern Ballet, and she has worked with a range of festivals including the Auckland Arts Festival, Auckland Cabaret Festival, Perth Fringe, Adelaide Fringe and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Natasha brings energy and care to every production, supporting artists to realise their creative visions.

Teresa Sokolich
Teresa Sokolich is a respected production and stage manager with deep roots in Auckland’s theatre community. A founding member of Auckland Theatre Company, she has held roles as production manager and associate producer, and worked at key venues including the Mercury Theatre, Aotea Centre, SkyCity, and Artworks Theatre. Teresa now works freelance and mentors emerging backstage professionals. She also serves on the boards of Tadpole Productions and The PumpHouse Theatre, continuing to contribute her expertise to the future of live performance in Aotearoa.